THE BRIEF from the top at ERC was straightforward: “your mission, should you choose to accept, is to select the best European side of the last 15 years comprised of players who played in either the Heineken or Challenge Cup competitions”.

FOUR days on and the sense of excitement and anticipation that filled the masses at Thomond Park is every bit as palpable.

IF ONLY we could have rugby like this every weekend.

WHAT odds now on Leinster doing the seemingly impossible by becoming only the second side to successfully defend the Heineken Cup? On the evidence of this performance you wouldn’t put your house on it.

IF THE recent Six Nations defeat to Scotland has taught us anything, it’s that despite all the heroics and accumulation of trophies last season, Irish rugby has no divine right to silverware.

AT the final whistle, despite the hostilities of the previous 80 minutes, they shook hands and went their separate ways, safe in the knowledge they had helped each other in their quest to advance to the Heineken Cup semi-finals.

WITH just over a week to go to season-defining quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup for Munster and Leinster, one could surmise Friday’s eagerly-awaited Magners League clash will resonate more with supporters than the players.

IF Declan Kidney’s adage that you learn more in defeat than in victory is correct, then Saturday’s reversal to Scotland could prove the greatest education of all for a side offered the ultimate reality check.

THIS is not the way it was meant to be.

Donal Lenihan reflects on his five most memorable action moments at Ireland's temporary home.